Tension in Thoothukudi over PMT leader’s arrest over extortion plaint
He had purchased jewellery from Velavan Jewellers in 2023 and subsequently approached a private finance firm to pledge it. Police also alleged that K Esakki Raja had received Rs 4.22 lakh towards the jewellery dispute and that he demanded another Rs 1 crore from the owner. The magistrate subsequently remanded him in judicial custody till Oct 6.
Police said the dispute has its roots in a three-year-old incident involving Esakkiraj, a functionary of the same party. Police said K Esakki Raja had intervened in the dispute on behalf of Esakkiraj and allegedly held a kangaroo court. Police resorted to a lathicharge to disperse his supporters who held a road blockade outside the court protesting his arrest. He was allegedly informed that the ornaments contained a higher proportion of other metals. The management approached police through representatives of the traders’ association and lodged a complaint with the district superintendent of police. As a large number of PMT supporters gathered outside the police station, the main entrance to the station was closed and armed personnel deployed. When police took Esakki Raja to the medical college hospital for examination, his supporters tried to block the police vehicle and raised slogans demanding his release. Raja was taken back to south police station before being produced before judicial magistrate in Thoothukudi. Following the court order, PMT supporters blocked Thoothukudi-Palayamkottai road in front of the court, alleging that police had registered a false case against their leader. After talks failed to yield results, police resorted to lathicharge to restore traffic.
Thoothukudi: Tension prevailed in Thoothukudi on Tuesday after police arrested Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Makkal Paadhugappu Iyakkam (PMT) leader K Esakki Raja following a complaint from a jeweller accusing him of demanding money and issuing threats. Police said Esakki Raja was booked for alleged extortion and criminal intimidation after his arrest by Thoothukudi South police on Tuesday.
K Esakki Raja, 46, a resident of Pasumpon Nagar near Third Mile, was picked up from his house by Thoothukudi South police on Tuesday morning and taken to the police station for questioning.
Police said a case was registered against him following a complaint from Velavan Jewellers alleging extortion and criminal intimidation.